Islandborn    by Junot Díaz & Leo Espinosa Order:  USA  Can Dial, 2018 (2018) Hardcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Lola's schoolmates all come from somewhere far away. She does too but can't remember the island where she was born, as she was a baby when her family left it. Now her teacher has asked everyone to draw a picture of where they came from - what will she do? Junot Diaz's Islandborn (enhanced by Leo Espinosa's colorful illustrations) is all about a small child exploring her roots through family and their friends' memories. Cousin Leticia recalls Blanket bats; Mrs. Bernard misses the music and Sleep dancing; others speak of coconut milk, mangoes, and color everywhere; and Abuela remembers the poetry of the beaches. But there are less happy memories too. Lola's mother speaks of a hurricane's devastation, and Mr. Mir recalls the Monster who terrified everyone and made whole families disappear, until heroes banished it forever. I bet you'll love the picture Lola drew for school as much as I did! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews